Failed to start sshd.service on Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a lightweight, flexible, and powerful Linux distribution that has become increasingly popular among Linux users. However, when working with Arch Linux, you may occasionally encounter issues, such as the “error: failed to start sshd.service” on Arch Linux In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.

Possible Causes of the Error

There could be several reasons why the sshd.service is failing to start on Arch Linux:

Incorrect configuration in the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file.
Missing or corrupted SSH server package.
Firewall or security settings blocking the SSH service.

How to Fix the Error: Failed to start sshd.service on Arch Linux

Step 1: Check the SSH configuration

The first step in resolving the “failed to start sshd.service” error is to check the configuration file for any errors. Open the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file using your favorite text editor. For example, you can use Vim:

sudo vim /etc/ssh/sshd_config

If you don’t have Vim installed, follow our guide on how to install Vim on Arch Linux.

Verify that there are no syntax errors, missing directives, or incorrect settings in the configuration file. Common issues include:

Duplicate or conflicting settings.
Incorrect values for directives such as Port, PermitRootLogin, or AllowUsers.
Missing required directives or settings.

After making any necessary changes to the configuration file, save your changes and try restarting the sshd.service:

sudo systemctl restart sshd.service

If the service starts successfully, the problem has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

Reinstall the SSH server package

If the configuration file is correct but the sshd.service still fails to start, there could be an issue with the SSH server package itself. To resolve this, try reinstalling the package:

sudo pacman -S openssh --overwrite

After reinstalling the package, restart the sshd.service:

sudo systemctl restart sshd.service

If the service starts successfully, the problem has been resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.

Check the firewall and security settings

Firewall settings or security software could be blocking the SSH service. Check your firewall settings to ensure that the SSH port (usually port 22) is allowed. You can also follow our guide on how to install and configure fail2ban on Arch Linux to protect your SSH service from brute-force attacks.

To allow SSH traffic through the firewall, run the following command:

sudo ufw allow ssh

If you are using a different firewall, consult its documentation for instructions on allowing SSH traffic. After making the necessary changes, restart the sshd.service:

sudo systemctl restart sshd.service

If the service starts successfully, the problem has been resolved.

Additional Resources

If the “failed to start sshd.service” error persists after trying the above steps, consider seeking help from the Arch Linux forums. Additionally, you may find the following resources helpful when troubleshooting SSH issues on Arch Linux:

How to disable root login on Arch Linux

Conclusion

The “error: failed to start sshd.service” on Arch Linux can be frustrating, but with a careful examination of the SSH configuration, reinstalling the SSH server package, and checking firewall and security settings, you should be able to resolve the issue. Always remember to keep your system up-to-date and configure your security settings properly to avoid potential issues in the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about managing and troubleshooting services on Arch Linux, check out our other guides, such as:

We hope this guide has been helpful in resolving the “failed to start sshd.service” error on Arch Linux. Remember to visit LinuxBoost for more guides, tutorials, and tips on working with Linux.